Christopher Reeve’s children aim to honor his legacy with new ‘Super/Man’ film

The children of Christopher Reeve, the beloved actor who portrayed Superman and became an inspiring advocate for spinal cord injury research following a life-altering accident, are set to honor their father’s legacy in a new documentary, Super/Man. The film, produced by his son, Matthew Reeve, and daughter, Alexandra Reeve Givens, promises an intimate look into Reeve’s life, not only as a Hollywood star but as a tireless advocate and a father who faced adversity with unwavering honesty.

A Story of Resilience and Advocacy

Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Superman in the late 1970s and early 1980s turned him into an international icon. However, it was his journey after a 1995 horseback riding accident, which left him paralyzed from the neck down, that defined his lasting legacy. Reeve’s courage, resilience, and advocacy in the face of immense personal challenges turned him into a symbol of hope for millions around the world. He dedicated the rest of his life to advancing spinal cord injury research, raising awareness, and advocating for accessibility and health equity.

In Super/Man, Matthew and Alexandra seek to capture not only their father’s legacy as a film star but, more importantly, his profound honesty in confronting life’s hardest truths. “Our dad was always open about his struggles, vulnerabilities, and hopes,” Alexandra shared in a recent interview. “He wanted people to see that it was okay to face setbacks and ask for help—that strength isn’t about pretending things are easy, but about pushing forward despite the challenges.”

An Honest Portrayal of His Life’s Journey

The documentary will showcase a mix of personal footage, family interviews, and insights from Reeve’s friends and colleagues. Matthew Reeve, who has directed several projects focusing on his father’s life and legacy, shared that Super/Man will provide a raw, honest portrayal of Christopher Reeve’s journey. “We want audiences to see the person behind the cape,” Matthew said. “Dad was a man who constantly evolved, who didn’t shy away from the truth, and who taught us that real strength lies in vulnerability.”

The film aims to dive deep into Reeve’s initial journey as an actor in Hollywood, his iconic turn as Superman, and his transition from stardom to becoming a global advocate for the disabled community. Super/Man will explore how Reeve’s advocacy impacted medical research and highlighted the gaps in healthcare for individuals with spinal cord injuries. His dedication to this cause, which he pursued until his passing in 2004, laid the groundwork for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which continues his work to this day.

A Timely Message of Hope and Resilience

In the years since Reeve’s passing, advancements in spinal cord injury research and technology have accelerated, partly due to the awareness and funding that Reeve’s work inspired. His children hope that Super/Man will serve as a reminder of how powerful a single person’s voice can be in driving change, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.